The UFC is finally returning to the Land of the Rising Sun. After an eleven year absence from Japan, they will re-emerge on the scene with
UFC 144 on February 25th in the Saitama Super Arena. The main event will see
Frankie Edgar defend his UFC lightweight title against former WEC lightweight champ
Ben Henderson. In the co-main,
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will look to return to the win column when he faces TUF 8 winner
Ryan Bader.
Along with that, there will be a plethora of fights featuring the best Japanese fighters in the UFC.
Yoshihiro Akiyama will make his welterweight debut against
Jake Shields,
Hatsu Hioki will continue his march to a featherweight title shot when he takes on
Bart Palaszewski, and much more. Here's the card as it stands right now (prelims after the jump):
Feb 25th, live on pay-per-view from Saitama, Japan:
Main Card:
Frankie Edgar (14-1) vs. Ben Henderson (15-2) [LW Title]
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (32-9) vs. Ryan Bader (13-2)
Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) vs. Mark Hunt (7-7)
Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-4, 2 NC) vs. Jake Shields (26-6-1)
Joe Lauzon (21-6) vs. Anthony Pettis (14-2)
More SBN coverage of UFC 144
Preliminary Card:
Tim Boetsch (14-4) vs. Yushin Okami (26-6)
Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-14)
Takeya Mizugaki (15-6-2) vs. Chris Cariaso (12-3)
Vaughan Lee (11-7-1) vs. Norifumi Yamamoto (18-5, 1 NC)
Steve Cantwell (7-5) vs. Riki Fukuda (17-5)
Takanori Gomi (32-8, 1 NC) vs. George Sotiropoulos (14-4)
Leonard Garcia (15-8-1) vs. Tiequan Zhang (15-2)
This card is so stacked
That Okami vs. Boetsch, Hioki vs. Bartimus, and G-Sot vs. Gomi could easily be part of a UFC Fight Night main card.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I really, really wish Timmy Boetsch’s redneck judo has progressed enough to beat Okami, but Okami is just so damn good. But I’ll be praying for that upset.
Tim Bernier - January 19, 2012
So damn pretty good in a decent sort of way.
Kefka - January 19, 2012
THIS
Roman727 - January 20, 2012
I’m digging the positivity.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
I don't know how long you've had that sig
because I’m almost always on my mobile.
But it’s hilarious, ridiculous and true all at the same time.
TorQus - January 19, 2012
LOL your sig is pretty awesome too.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
WTF.
Okami would be the only fighter to go from headlining a title fight to going to the preliminary part of the card in his own home country. and Gomi vs George Strepthroatopolous on the bottom half as well? that shit cray.
lukustra - January 20, 2012
So many exciting fights!
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
+1
rscott94 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
the awesomeness is blinding
dandeman - January 20, 2012 via mobile
MAAAAAAHHHKKKKKK HUNTOOOOOOOOO
Best card of the year so far. Fucking stoked for every fight except Cantwell.
Anthony Peer - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Title-shot is in order if he wins this, obviously.
Gugabe - January 19, 2012
Who would have thought in 2012 we'd see Mark Hunt on a UFC PPV main card while Fedor is relegated to fighting guys like Monson and Ishii...
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
Mark Hunt...
Fuken rec’d
ThatsHowIRoll - January 19, 2012
Hunt by KO, first round.
Eat it, psychoblack
Tedd Welch - January 19, 2012
Hunt by being Hunt
dandeman - January 20, 2012 via mobile
I wouldn’t even put fake money on him.
spectaa - January 20, 2012
I'm so fucking stoked to see Hunt vs. Kongo!!!!!!
Epic card – just epic!
Keith Moon - January 20, 2012
Cantwell’s last fight was damn good. Even tho he’s lost like 4 in a row, his fight are entertaining in pretty technical
Eoff108 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I love this card. We have a few big cards coming up soon. I have an MMA induced erection.
Tim Bernier - January 19, 2012
How the mighty have fallen:
Takanori Gomi (32-8, 1 NC) vs. George Sotiropoulos (14-4)
on the undercard!
Although, Gomi should have been cut after Diaz, in my opinion. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying anymore. I think George makes quick work of him and that will be the last we see of the Fireball Kid in the UFC. A pity. He’s on my Top 15 GOAT list.
jackbox - January 19, 2012
G-Sot is going to rip Gomi's arm off
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I'm not confident about that
He couldn’t get Siver to the ground, and Gomi’s defensive wrestling is much better.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
He hasn't shown it lately
The only time he’s looked good is when he decapitated Tyson Griffin. Otherwise he’s been outstruck in his other 3 losses and promptly submitted.
I think G-Sot’s chin is questionable but his boxing is decent. He’ll use strikes to set up the takedown and get the win.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
True
But unless Sotiropolous’ wrestling has improved, and/or Gomi is completely shot as a fighter – don’t get me wrong, both are entirely possible – then this fight takes place on the feet, and G-Sot doesn’t have the firepower to compete there. I’m intrigued either way.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
On top of that
SotRop was rocked a few times against Siver, and then flattened by Dos Anjos…If Gomi can play his cards right and get a good punch in before the grappling gets heavy…who knows.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
THIS CARD IS SO FUCKING STACKED
If I can’t get this and the Super Bowl Off I will be so FUCKING PISSED!!!!!!!
RJshock 305 - January 19, 2012
Dude, don’t risk letting the boss say No.
Set up your day off the day before with something like: “Man, it really hurts when I swallow…” followed by, “Dude, it feels like my ears are stuffed with cotton….” and come fight day morning, you call in and say, “Wow, I could feel this cold coming on yesterday….better get back to bed….makes me lightheaded just speaking on the phone….[cough…sniffle….]”
Trust me, this will work. Both times. Remember: It’s only a lie if you don’t believe it’s true.
(and don’t believe that karma shit someone’s bound to hand you…it’s nonsense)
( . Y . ) - January 19, 2012
Or you could call in one morning and say that you’re not going to be in that day. If they fire you over it, that’s not a company you want to be working for anyway. Unless you suck at your job, then you might be in trouble.
exsanguinator - January 20, 2012
This card is exquisite.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
unF
I don’t even know who I want to win. This card is soooo mindblowingly good.
mollcutpurse - January 19, 2012
Okami-Boetsch on prelims?
wtffffff
Stiff Jab - January 19, 2012
Here my Picks
Henderson by late guillotine or decision
Rampage by TKO 2nd
Shields by UD
Hunt by KO Rd 1
Lauzon by Sub Rd 1 Triangle
RJshock 305 - January 19, 2012
Edgar by UD
Rampage by KO Rd1
Shields by Sub Rd2
Kongo by Sub Rd2
Petiis by TKO Rd3
Chin Check - January 19, 2012
I agree with most of these
Except Shields wins a UD and Kongo wins a UD.
even though if Mitrione and Barry could hang with Kongo’s striking and have a close fight, Mark Hunt should be able to kill him on the feet.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
Lauzon triangle?
Unless he pulls guard, Pettis has no reason to fight on the ground, even though they are pretty even in that department.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I don’t think I have ever seen a card with so many fight I am interested in, though none of them are AAA fights for me. Great card.
Kefka - January 19, 2012
Fireball Kid is gonna knock out Snuffy and march back on the path to a title shot. I’m the Pride psychoblack dammit.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
man
his last fight was embarrassing to watch.
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
It was pretty bad.
I’m hoping he lands solid on G-Sot’s chin though. I don’t trust it too much after getting the shit rocked out of him by Dos Anjos.
kreally - January 19, 2012
I hope so too
but hes just not that good anymore..I mean it looked like he didnt train at all for the Diaz fight he was so bad.
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
I hope G-Sot improved his takedowns
Because they looked awful last time around.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
What will you substitute “slap yo self” with?
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
commit seppuku?
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Not bad.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
Ahhhkk-sshun!
VenusBlue - January 19, 2012
Insanecanadian?
kreally - January 19, 2012
Maximum White
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
I thought you were the Canadian psychoblack?
Dave Strummer - January 20, 2012
B pluS card
I’d give it a solid B plus!!
Hankverdee - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Indeed.
Kefka - January 19, 2012
I think it's the best PPV of the first few months
Lots of relevant, high quality fighters, and fun battles like Kongo vs. Hunt.
Only downside is it’s likely not going to be a good draw in terms of buys but screw them.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Tie Quan Zhang by WHATEVER HE WANTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - January 19, 2012
Seriously? I think Garcia beats him quite handily
That felt wrong. Did I just say Leonard Garcia should easily win a fight?
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Zhang can only win if Garcia tries to box with him
Dr.Mundo - January 19, 2012
We've had this discussion
Zhang will win without a doubt.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Avatar bet?
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I'll see
I have to think of something for when you lose
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Zhang by way of his 25th guillotine attempt.
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
Garcia by decision
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
split decision
no matter how one sided the fight is for either fighter…Garcia by split decision.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
I've actually gotten an official scorecard from one of the scheduled judges that night
Two of them have already written 29-28 Garcia and the other one 30-25 for Zhang.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Outstanding.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
I've actually concluded you have no idea
BeeWing - January 20, 2012
I've actually concluded that he is joking
Andy Anderson - January 20, 2012
wow is that a mack truck flying over your head
RECE ROCK - January 20, 2012
I don’t think there has ever been this many of my favourite fighters on one card before. Unfortunately for me I’m expecting every single one of them to lose.
Brad Ackerson - January 19, 2012
Fuck this shit!
I don’t know who to pick in Edgar/Henderson, Hunt/Kongo, or Akiyama/Shields. Amazing card though.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Hunt by submission
Years from now, everyone in the MMA world will ask “Where were you when Mark Hunt had side control?”
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I have been leaning more towards Hunt.
His takedown defense and all around grappling has looked great lately. I might go with Shields due to this being Akiyama’s first time at Welterweight and his history of gassing. Fuck it. I don’t know why, but I think Edgar might take this.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Pick Bendo Kongo and Shields. Thank me later.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Leaning more towards Edgar.
Faster, better striking, outstanding wrestling. I think he takes this.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Edgar doesn't have a very big wrestling advantage in my opinion.
And if he does take him down, Bendo’s sweeps and subs will make Edgar wish he never took him down. The speed advantage can, in my estimation, be countered by a big power advantage for Bendo. And I wouldn’t say better striking. Boxing, yes. Striking, it’s a toss up.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
I don't think Edgar will try to take him down.
Plus, his in and out movement is amazing. I don’t think Bendo has the power to break Edgar’s chin either.
kreally - January 19, 2012
The way I see it playing out is this:
It’ll be a classic (as of late) Edgar first round: He’s going to get cracked by Bendo, but instead of pouring it on, Bendo’s going to lock on one of his classic vice grip guillotines, and it’s going to be goodnight Irene.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Edgar's a scrappy motherfucker.
I think he could find his way out of a guillotine. Dude trains under Ricardo Almeida.
kreally - January 19, 2012
I doubt that immensely.
But there’s a chance he could. There’s no way a rocked Edgar gets out. Maybe if he has a clear head, MAYBE. But I’d be shocked.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Bendo hasn't finished anyone since Varner
But by in large he will destroy you.
Maynard’s last two KOs are Joe Veres and Gray Maynard. He has no submission game.
Henderson’s ground and pound + crushing chokes could give Edgar problems
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
He finished Cerrone after Varner.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Gak! Had the fight order confused
Thought the Varner fight happened after the Cerrone rematch
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Cerrone for the interim title.
Varner for the unification.
Cerrone for the title.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Got it. Thanks.
That Varner jumping guillotine was sick.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Absolutely amazing.
That’s the image I have in my head for this fight.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
He finished Cerrone right after Varner.
I truly think the most underestimated fight style is a great wrestler with submissions. Anyone that can beat the shit out of you and then take your neck is truly terrifying, best example I can think of is Mir.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Mir is a wrestler with submissions?
Um…that’s not how I would describe him
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
Instead of trying to GnP people into a TKO he gets them to cover and goes for subs. That’s what I meant.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Oh okay then, fair enough
When I think of a wrestler with subs…someone like Shields or maybe Weidman comes to mind…someone who has legit wrestling ability and then puts BJJ on top of that.
Davis also sort of comes to mind.
You don’t see Mir doing an insane amount of successful offensive wrestling.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
Alright, I like your examples a lot more haha. Basically Shields’ AJJ with better wrestling. I love watching that style. I absolutely adore Maia (that sounds really gay, but I can’t think of a better way to phrase that) but I hope Weidman wins so he gets moving up the rankings. He’s a phenom and absolutely amazing at both wrestling and jits. I love watching him fight.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Ditto on all of that
Maia is slick and so is Weidman…my only hangup about that fight is the short notice for weidman.
But I thought I heard that he was one of those guys that trains and stays in shape all of the time…but still, it’d be better with a proper camp based around fighting Maia.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
I think the short notice hurts Maia just as much.
He was training for a stand up fight, I’d assume, because I doubt his abilities to take Bisping down.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Yep, very true
It’s a great matchup though.
I personally like the Evans-Davis, Sonnen-Bisping, and Maia-Weidman lineup better than the original lineup.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
Same.
Makes it easier to pick someone to cheer for in Chael’s fight too. I love Munoz and Chael.
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
yep, I was on the fence on that one
I don’t really feel one way or another about Munoz and Cheal…but Bisping is absolutely a guy who can make me root for Sonnen.
Chris Groves - January 20, 2012
"Maynard's last two ko's are Joe Veres and Gray Maynard"
I can’t stop laughing.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
If Bendo manages to get ahold of Frankie
Fight’s over. He’s a massive lightweight, and Frankie can’t match up there. Can Bendo, though? He had trouble with Pettis, and Frankie’s movement is even better. Color me intrigued.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
This basically covers the entire fight for me.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
That’s absurd. Penn and Maynard couldn’t hold onto Edgar for more than a few seconds, and both of them have better top control than Henderson.
A lot of the time Henderson starts to have success because he wears his opponents down, and that’s not really a viable gameplan against Edgar.
crazybones - January 19, 2012
Henderson's top game is way better than Maynard's
And is pretty even with Penn’s. I think he overwhelms Edgar quick.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I'd be shocked if he did
He couldn’t overwhelm Miller early, and he never overwhelmed Guida at all. And both those guys are vastly inferior to Edgar in just about every way.
crazybones - January 19, 2012
For what it's worth
I do like Frankie in this fight, but that’s predicated on him using his footwork and movement to stay well away from Henderson.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Yeah the Guida fight was surprisingly close
Despite Bendo winning every round. Edgar is like a million times better than Guida anyway. Better boxing, better wrestling, better everything.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
Henderson is a better clinch fighter than either Penn or Maynard and he drops bombs from top position, which isn’t really Maynard’s game. Frankie’s cardio is outstanding, and obviously you’d have to hit him with a sledgehammer to put him down, but Bendo works his submissions and strikes together really nicely. He’s also an exceptional scrambler, and I could easily see him grabbing a guillotine or brabo in one of the mad dashes that’s sure to happen in this fight.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
The one thing I’m worried about is that Henderson could steal rounds with clinchwork and the occasional takedown. He might be able to push Edgar against the cage for extended periods of time and win rounds even if he doesn’t do much.
But if Edgar can free himself from the clinch, I don’t think it’s a particularly close fight.
crazybones - January 19, 2012
Precisely
Henderson is a fast and athletic striker, but he’s nowhere close to Edgar in terms of technique and especially footwork. Frankie is perfectly capable of picking him apart for five rounds.
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Bendo's striking defense isn't great
He got dropped by Miller and Guida, Miller being understandable but Guida has never been an offensive guy.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
Bendo's wrestling improved a TON
And if a relentless guy like Guida can’t bring him down I don’t think a smaller Edgar can.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I'm talking about defensively.
If Maynard can’t take him down, I don’t really see Bendo doing it.
kreally - January 19, 2012
This is what, then?
(Yes, I realize this is from the first fight, I’m just playing with you)
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
This is misleading.
They are just re-enacting proper how-to technique for rescuing a small child from a burning building.
NickRingp4pGOAT - January 20, 2012
lulz
Rogan’s face…
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
To be fair
Maynard might have barely tried to take him down…at least in the 3rd fight.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
He was never really in a position to take him down
Every time he got close Edgar was already out of distance.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
There takedowns are much different.
Ben drags you down from clinch a lot of the times. If Ben gets a hold of edgar its gonna be a long night. Should be a great fight.
RJshock 305 - January 19, 2012
I can whole heartedly agree that this will be an amazing fight.
I’m more excited for this than Diaz/Condit.
kreally - January 19, 2012
woah, woah, woah
its a great fight. I give it a 75 percent chance of producing in-cage awesomeness, with a 25 percent chance that Frankie is just too quick, and his base is too good, and he moves in and out and peppers Bendo to a not-so-thrilling decision.
I literally cannot see a way in which Diaz-Condit fails to be awesome. It is very similar in that way to Nate-Cowboy in that way. Awesome fight, awesome card, but Condit-Diaz has FOTY contender stamped all over it.
Dave Strummer - January 20, 2012
Yup
Maynard also falls in love with his boxing A LOT for a guy with the most dominant top-control wrestling in the division. I see Bendo constantly looking to tie up, get close and drag it to the mat.
Frankie can for sure outbox him, but I don’t see him keeping it vertical for 25 minutes.
Dave Strummer - January 20, 2012
It’s because Maynard has two modes: Boxing and wrestling. He can’t blend them together as well as Edgar.
Edgar rocked Maynard out with a punch off a failed td attempt.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
Plus, you know...
Beating Penn twice and all.
kreally - January 19, 2012
*Once.
He lost the first fight, I don’t give two shits what anyone says. The second one was definitely decisive, though.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
agreed
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
That first fight was closely contested.
Doesn’t matter anyways because he stomped him that second time. He seems to do that a lot. The first fight’s always close, the second one is always decisive.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Not a particularly good way to go about fighting, I'd say.
He’s been incredibly lucky to win and defend a title three times using that strategy all four fights.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
I might bet on a draw.
Then bet on Edgar winning the second fight.
kreally - January 19, 2012
You could probably find some great odds to place that bet haha.
Good luck.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Yep, there is a reason there was an immediate rematch
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
That Edgar won with ease.
My point was that Edgar is getting better and better with every fight. That’s what’s making this such a hard decision to make, but also the reason I’m leaning more towards Frankie.
kreally - January 19, 2012
I got Bendo Hunt and Akiyama
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
I want to take Hunt so badly.
But I have so little faith in Kongo’s willingness to bang. If it’s a striking match, it’s Hunt all day. Akiyama.. I don’t see how he wins this fight at all. Shields isn’t an idiot, he isn’t going to trade with Sexy.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Isn't Akiyama's TDD still off the charts tho?
Chris Hall - January 20, 2012
I've never seen him fight a wrestler.
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
I think he's still never been taken down in the UFC and Shields doesn't exactly have great Td's
Chris Hall - January 20, 2012
To be fair.
He fought Belcher, Leben, Bisping, and Vitor. Why the hell would any of them want to take him down?
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
Same
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
From a stylistic standup with Akiyama vs Shields, I don’t know if Shields will be able to get Akiyama to the ground especially with Akiyama having a superior judo base. Akiyama should be better on the feet as well.
chrisbboy82 - January 19, 2012
Gomi no g.o.a.t
How can Gomi be even mentioned in G.O.A.T talk? Winning a few fights in thin talent pool in Prides glory days doesn’t make any1 great! True “greatness” is proven over a long period of time versus great n good opposition, after many title defenses. A.Silva, GSP etc. Gomi was subbed by Nick.Diaz n Florian and thrashed by the younger Diaz. How’s that great?
Hankverdee - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Because he's cool
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
BJ Penn is the greatest lightweight of all time
Gomi is second though.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
All of next month's cards look great.
I hope having to pick on mmaplayground doesn’t ruin the fun for the upcoming fights.
kreally - January 19, 2012
For you, I hope it does!
Horselover Fat - January 20, 2012
love this card.
best prelims ever.
Rob Young - January 19, 2012
I don’t even think Ryan bader will make it to the 2nd half of the 1st round rampage is coming back stronger especially now that he’s back in japan
psychoblack - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I AGREE!!!
Rampage by murder
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I hope its a murder by slam.
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
BY GEORGE, PSYCHOBLACK MAY BE RIGHT!
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Hah!
I misread that as “I don’t even think Ryan bader will make it to the 2nd half of the 1st round rampage is coming back stronger especially now that he’s black in japan”
TorQus - January 19, 2012
Rec'd
Because you are awesome
ThatsHowIRoll - January 19, 2012
If rampage couldn’t handle Hamil just imagine what Bader does to that washed up clown
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Just like how Bader handled the washed up Tito Ortiz
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
That was luck…tito had his eyes closed
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
And he had his eyes closed for the guillotine, too?
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Lol rampage going to sub him?
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Really?
Tito rocked Bader’s shit. Imagine what Rampage would do to him.
kreally - January 19, 2012
Bader stopped Hamil and Rampage couldn’t
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Bader never fought Hamill
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I said Hamill I meant Jardine… :-P
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I have no fucking clue what you're talking about.
Do you mean Jardine?
kreally - January 19, 2012
I’m just fucking off…sitting in the ER bored
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
ER?
You ok?
kreally - January 20, 2012
My buddy thought he was having a heart attack so I drove him to the hospital and waited with him…figured it was the least I could do since he promised me his Xbox360 if he didn’t make it
Afrotikiman - January 20, 2012 via mobile
LOL!
Oh shit! Glad he’s ok.
kreally - January 20, 2012
MMAth is the most reliable form of fight prediction
Chris Hall - January 20, 2012
king mo?
Tats16 - January 19, 2012
The bait was for physcoblack…thanks guys
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
dude
Even psychoblack spells psychoblack right. C’mon now
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Man I misspelled it in my iPhone the first time an that’s all she wrote
Afrotikiman - January 19, 2012 via mobile
anyone have any guesses on some of the betting lines?
BoulderDodger - January 19, 2012
I'd guess Edgar will open at -200 and drop quickly.
Rampage should open at at least -300.
I have no idea on Hunt/Kongo.
Shields should open at the -185 region.
Lauzon/Pettis should open hella close to even, and if it does, I’d take Lauzon all day.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
Edgar/Bendo is out already. Right now it’s basically:
Edgar -125
Bendo +105
But Bendo opened as the fave.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
Wow, I'm shocked Bendo opened as the favorite.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
I was too, but people are really high on him after the MillerBrother win.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
That's true.
As awesome as the Guida win was, he looked like an absolute animal against Jimbo.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
If that was a five round fight it would've been an easy TKO
Miller looked close to being stopped in the 3rd multiple times
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
The whole kidney infection thing explains some stuff about Miller, even though he doesn’t wanna use it as an excuse. I just don’t see Bendo as the world-killer some do since he’s come over to the UFC. I think a lot of UFC LW’s could handle him. I just worry about this particular fight because Frankie’s not a LW. He’s a FW.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
Yes, I heard mono along with the infection.
Care to give a quick list off the top of your head? Because I think he annihilates Pettis in a rematch, and beat the majority of the top end guys. The ones giving him a good run, in my mind, are Maynard, Edgar, Barboza in two or three, and.. Shit, can’t believe I’m saying this: Guillard.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
I actually think Bendo beats Barboza. Guillard would be a big favorite in my eyes over Bendo.
My list of UFC guys I’d favor over Ben Henderson: Edgar, Maynard, Miller, Tibau (seriously), Sherk, and Dunham.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
I'll give you Edgar, Maynard, and Miller
But Guillard? The guy who’s always in a scramble and prone to getting submitted against the guy who happens to do both of those things really, really well?
Patrick Wyman - January 19, 2012
Henderson’s subs are overrated, IMO. The guillotine is great, but if you train to avoid that, you’re left with a guy a lot like Guillard. Minus the KO power.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
And Bendo has a propensity for getting hit
I have to agree with you here.
Chris Hall - January 20, 2012
I disagree with you.. A lot here haha.
Bendo beats Barboza, I absolutely agree with.
Guillard would be, at most -125 over Bendo, and I think I’m being VERY generous.
Edgar should be a favorite.
Maynard should be a favorite.
Miller.. He already beat, don’t blame that on illness.
Tibau.. Are you f’n kidding me?
Sherk…
…
Nope, he’s dead.
Dunham. We’ll see how he does against Lentz. Ever since he got his head split open by Melvin I’ve had zero faith in him.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
LOL I don’t expect people to agree with me, it’s all good. I was the biggest WEC fan ever, and spent way too much time analyzing their fighters. Ben’s still full of holes, and I don’t believe a year fixed them all. That’s where I get all this from. I don’t think he’s worthy of a title shot, and I think he’s going to lose.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
We can agree on one thing! WEC NEVER DIE!
I agree that he hasn’t fixed some of his problems. While he is getting a shot off only a three fight win streak, who else would you give it to? I actually can’t think of anyone. I disagree on him losing though. Oh well. I’m just hoping and praying for more of this:
I’m a sucker for the over/under legs (fuck I need to learn more ground terminology) on guillotines.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
There isn't anyone better to give the title shot to
I mean, in 2011 by the end of October
Siver derailed SotRop
Guida derailed Pettis
Henderson derailed Miller
Lauzon derailed Guillard
Cerrone derailed Siver
So matching up two of the derailers, Henderson and Guida, made the most sense as a #1 contender match. Not to mention Cerrone then got derailed himself by Diaz.
Chris Groves - January 20, 2012
A lot of people died on that train...
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
ALL ABOARD THE MURDER TRAIIIN
thirdparty - January 20, 2012
Bocek, Miller, And Guida in 2011 don't make him worthy?
Who else has a better argument for a title shot? Or who did back in November?
Chris Hall - January 20, 2012
maybe its too soon for Bendo...
BuT, since clobberin Miller, then beating Guida after Guida outwrestled-fucked Pettis…is there a lightweight match you would make for Bendo other than the champ?
JGaLaXY - January 20, 2012
In a perfect world I would have brought Gil over and given him the fight.
Tim Burke - January 20, 2012
seriously?
alxn - January 19, 2012
As much as I hate saying it
Bendo would school Guillard. Bendo brings a horrible stylistic matchup, being a grinding, dominant, powerful wrestler that has a great submission game. That fight could honestly be a blowout.
Bendo would out grind Maynard in a fun little scrap. He’d beat Sherk handily, and he’d TKO Dunham. Tibau, just no.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Bendo would sub him
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
Hold on now
I’ve been riding with Bendo and the other 2 WEC guys as well, but I think it’s too soon to make such bold statements like that. For all we know Edgar will knock Bendo out, I’m hoping that Bendo chokes him the fuck out, but it could happen.
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
Tibau is um....well he has losses against every single relevant top 15 guy I can think of
Are you going by strength or Tibau weighing 245 pounds?
SSreporters - January 20, 2012
Why should a Pettis/Bendo rematch be any different in another five round fight
Bendo hasn’t improved that much, and Pettis’ wrestling is improving. I think we’d have another really close fight.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
I think losing lit a fire under Bendo’s ass. He looks like a new, more aggressive fighter. For example, I don’t think Bendo lets Showtime piggy back him for an entire round.
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
But remember that the Bocek, Miller, and Guida fights were all three rounds
In a five round fight he is going to have to pace himself, so he probably isn’t going to explode the same way he would normally in that hypothetical rematch .
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
This card makes me soo happy that I have Fuel TV
MaZZacare - January 19, 2012
I thought PPV prelims were going to be on FX?
142 and 143 are both having prelims on FX…not this one?
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
I don’t know if there will be a FX special but I doubt they will show all those fights on FX and might throw some on FUEL but Tim Boetsch vs. Yushin Okami, Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski, Takanori Gomi vs. George Sotiropoulos would be a great prelims special.
MaZZacare - January 20, 2012
Ah true
I would think that the FX prelims specials will be 2 hours and 4 fights like for 142. I’d totally be up for that.
Not all prelims are created equal, some fights essentially amount to ‘who the hell are these guys’ for some casuals…so it makes sense to relegate those to Fuel and put the biggest name fights on the FX special.
Chris Groves - January 20, 2012
Oh yeah, the UFC Japan poster is very nice
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
Very niiice,
I liiiike!!!
TorQus - January 19, 2012
Agreed
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
i think edgar dominates here
i love bendo, but i think frankie is a poor matchup for him, edgars too quick standing and too slippery and hard to keep down for bendo to develop any kind of consistent offense.
i doubt bendo gets finished though, guy has a granite chin and is still unsubmitable.
milk72 - January 19, 2012
Early forecast
I said after Bendo beat Guida that he would wreck Edgar…I stand by it…he is going to wreck him. I’ll admit defeat if he slides by with a close decision or late finish after beaing dominated…I am confident that he will wreck, WRECK Edgar.
I can tell you almost what it’s going to be like exactly. It’s going to look a lot like Alvarez vs Chandler…only it’s probably going to end in the first. Hendo is going to blitz him early and sub him.
I think a lot of people are writing Bader off…but Rampage hasn’t exactly been a destroyer…or knocking dudes out in a LONG time. I think Wandy was the last guy he KO’d back in what? 08?
Shields will beat Akiyama with cardio.
I think Hunt will KO/TKO Kongo.
Pettis vs Lauzon will probably be fight of the night.
Chris Groves - January 19, 2012
Just like Bendo rolled through Guida?
Oh wait….
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
I'm feeling a Sexyama win here
He’ll stop takedowns and outstrike Shields for three rounds.
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Shields should move to MW
Shields vs. Maia or Shields vs. Weidman? Absolutely.
SSreporters - January 19, 2012
I like
Maybe even Jason McDonald
halitosis - January 19, 2012 via mobile
J-Mac always has a soft spot in my heart for his role in the masterpiece that was Mac-Maia.
T.C. Engel - January 19, 2012
This card is so dope...
Makes me all that more depressed about the card for the Australia event.
That said, WAR MARK HUNT!!!
ThatsHowIRoll - January 19, 2012
I don't understand the love for Hunt
I got into mma after he was…irrelevant?
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
He was just ultra-tough. Eating Cro Cop headkicks and everything else anyone ever threw at him.
Tim Burke - January 20, 2012
So I'm guessing Mark Hunt love
is similar to Minowaman love?
SentientAndroid - January 20, 2012
Henderson about to be the #1 LW in the world.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - January 19, 2012
Can I get an Amen?
ThatsHowIRoll - January 19, 2012
AMEN!
Chris Groves - January 20, 2012
Wait, isn't that supposed to be followed by awkward silence.
NickRingp4pGOAT - January 20, 2012
Damn Canadians
Chris Groves - January 20, 2012
If you meant # 4 LW in the world, I’m with you.
Tim Burke - January 19, 2012
Henderson is a super Gray maynard and probably a little bigger.
He will finish Edgar. Probably by submission.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - January 20, 2012
If he couldn't finish Guida
I don’t see how he finishes Edgar.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
There’s an additional two rounds for this fight.
Baby Wads - January 20, 2012
Which will probably mean he'll pace himself
And Edgar seems to get better after the second round.
discoandherpes - January 20, 2012
In Guidas defense
He only really gets finished by RNC’s. I don’t know if he has ever been knocked out. But I could see Edgar getting subbed easy. Edgar will probably be 160 pounds come fight time and Henderson will probably be in the 170-180 range. he is just a bigger human and I honestly think he will man handle edgar and submit him.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE - January 20, 2012
I want this poster
kidNoboru - January 20, 2012
So much better than the Super Bowl weekend card.
crazedfan - January 20, 2012
Awesome card. awesome!
vivero - January 20, 2012
You know this isn't quite a Japanese card without at least 1 can.
pridedaze09 - January 20, 2012
A night of many disappointments...
And one cherry on top at the end of the night.
I’m with some of the others on here believing Bendo gets the Sub, maybe even as early as round 1. And if somehow Frankie pulls off the W, I’ll stop my doubting of him finally.
Bader is ok, but his wrestling isn’t as good as Shad or Jones. His striking isn’t as good as well….he’s got some power I guess. This is Rampage’s fight to lose.
I think with his Judo and Power akiyama can find a way to beat Shields. Sounds crazy but I think being in Japan will give him some much needed advantage.
Hatsu better win so he can fight Aldo and become the first Japanese Title belt holder….or die tryin’.
If Pettis fights smart the first round he should be ok. I think Lauzon is one the scariest first round fighters in the business. No idea how Soti beat him looking back besides gassing.
Okami via decision. Boetsch has nothing for him.
Kongo will get hurt, but end up coming back strong and pounding out Hunt. I’d like to see one more great win for the samoan though.
Yamamoto, hang it up if you don’t win dude… hate seeing you suck so bad now days.
cager - January 20, 2012
And there’s your answer.
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
Great card.
Except for hypnogarcia getting a free trip to Japan.
UncleMax - January 20, 2012
What a trip for Bader, from losing to Tito to prelims to Co- Main event
I guess Dana wants to see Rampage get a knockout and in Japan no less. After seeing Tito drop Bader he must have figured surely Rampage can knock this man out.
Meek Mill - January 20, 2012
Or maybe a win over Jason Brilz is THAT valuable.
T.C. Engel - January 20, 2012
If all Japan cards are going to be like this
With the awesome poster and very stacked card I want them to do events in Japan all the time.
DreamingOfFighting - January 20, 2012
I think the UFC is gonna be short a few asian fighters after this card
Awesome card though.
simpsycho - January 20, 2012
Sexyama by sexiness. Shields only counter...
…is to lay in those muscles forever…for the UD…shit.
Nonetheless I can’t wait for this card!!!
NickRingp4pGOAT - January 20, 2012
thirdparty - January 20, 2012
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